Home!

We were up for 24 hrs straight, fly home was uneventful  which was a good thing.  The only negative situation is we are home our luggage is either in Rome or Amsterdam .  Delta said it will ship it when returns.  Going through customs and reentry was fast and every we encounterd was patient and polite compared to what we overheard people exchanging past experiences.   You know , nice is as nice does.

We split the drive home as Bo was exhausted.   He does not sleep on the plane compared to me.  Plus Delta has free movies, Tv shows and Bruce is glued to that screen.   I must say that on that plane trip from Amsterdam to Seattle, delta does feed its passengers well. Snacks, a fairly good dinner, a lunch and another snack.  Bottles of water passed out during the flight and the attendants were great.

One of the reasons they are rated so highly especially for on time arrivals/departures is , it seems to us, they give only the min. amount of time between flights.  One suggestion, Annie gave it to us, if ever in Amsertdam back sure you reserve a cart for transfer as we would never have made the connecting flights.

The dogs were overjoyed, as were we, to be home .    Miss Etta was nuts with happiness.  As a matter of fact, she slept in bed with us all night.  Every time we moved she woke up , kissed us, stared at us and then sighed with joy and went back to sleep.

We had to make our own coffee this morning, yup, I here oh you poor babies, but after a month with others making it for us it .

We are so grateful to have taken this trip as we learned a lot about ourselves, how we travel, what we like to do and not do and we liked it.

One more note, many other travelers we met and we shared this was our first trip to Italy that we were on our own and Bruce was doing the driving in Sicily and Southern Italy were mighty impressed. I think we were native and just did not know any better.

Bruce retires the end of the year and we are planning our next trip and it looks as if it will be to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico.  Sun!   But no way will we be gone a full month as that was just to long for us.

We are happy to be home and our routine .

EARLY Sunday morning

Had to get up by 3 this morning, just two hrs ago, to arrive at Plamero airport.  Had a sm antipasti plate at roof top bar before bed as we wanted to be in bed by 9 and we were.  Then lo and behold we hear someone singing Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone and our room was directly under the piano bar.  Debated whether to call front desk to change rooms but we were all tucked in, bags packed , clothes out and thought her singing might help us sleep.  We dozed off and on until she was done at midnight.   Bruce woke up at 2:45 and 15 extra minutes was not going to do me much good so I also rose and did not shine one bit.

Dressed and in the elevator a full half hr before the shuttle was to arrive.  Good and fortune thing we did get up early as we got stuck in the elevator for the 15 minutes we were early.  Of course, our minds raced with the "what Ifs" but I believed we had gone this far with no major mishaps so it would work out and it did.   The bellman had the right tools, a crow bar and a key, and got us out.  The shuttle was waiting and here we are.  Very small airport and the security people who ck you before you find your gates were not even here yet.   They arrive at 6.   I had to keep going through the medal dectector and finally figured it out that it was the bobby pins in my hair as I put my wig on as there was no time to wash dry my hair.  I'll see what happens with this wig.

Good morning.

Bruce and grace

Last day

We had a wonderful and sad morning saying goodbye to Cefula and Mirko.  Just as we were putting the last of our things together he came into the room to give us each a hug and another goodbye as he was off to rescue, yet, another guest who got lost.  He gave us a momento of our stay at the B and B a sm ceramic piece with the name of the B and B on it with Cefula in the background.   I asked him to sign it which he did .  Now we have one from Lecce and one from Cefula.  

So off we go to drive to Palermo on a beautiful day.   Before I left our room I went onto the balcony to blow a kiss to the blue Med sea to say averadici, you know what I mean.    Could not get Bruce to blow a kiss but he did go out to say averadici .

Guess What!   We got hopeless lost trying to find Hertz and we are not sure how the hell Bruce found it 

and I am not joking.  Once again, the GPS does not jive with street names and last night Bruce wrote out directions from Google but Google could not find the correct street so Bruce found another map.

Anyway, between the three of them and prayers from me we found it.  Had hertz call a cab which the associate did not seem happy about, got a very nice cab driver and arrived at a very old, well kept

(Sort of how I feel some days) grand hotel.   This place is right out of the 50s movie with Huge lobby

With lots of wood , marble floors and lots of steps.   The hallways are narrow with angles , steps down

And big white doors.   The room is comfortable, small , nice large shower and a view of a very old wall.

We are up at 3 a.m as the transfer shuttle comes at 4.   Another nail in the Avanti travel as they told me it was "impossible" to change.   But this means we should be in Seattle by 4 in the afternoon .   Hello

My puppies.

The five things I love most about Italy:   THE PEOPLE, THE PEOPLE, THE PEOPLE, the sun/heat,

the food!

Also, this city Palermo, after going out to eat, short walk about, leaves a positive impression.   I also saw one of the very rare brightly handmade , hand painted , horse pulled carts that were once seen overall Sicily.

Prayers for safe trip home and I am going to have printed for Bruce's car a bumper sticker that states

"I survived driving in Italy"

Look forward to home you all of you.

Much love,   Bruce and Grace

Just got back

Went to walk around town for one more time. Had late lunch which was a home made pasta with sardines, raisins, pine nuts and finely ground bread crumbs.  My mom never made it cause my dad and I were the only ones who would eat it.  I know to some it might sound terrible but the raisins balance out the saltiness of fish.  Bruce had cream of asp soup and breaded veal.  Each had a glass of house local wine, $5 a glass, and we are amazed how wonderful it is.

Then a short walk to our favorite geletto and pastry shop, Bruce took a photo, and I had an almond filled flaky pastry and Bruce a double scoop of choc and one pistachio .  Sat there for awhile and talked to a couple from Conn with a tour group.  Said our goodbyes and off the our last stop to the cafe with the nice owners for our glass of Lemoncello .  In Italy one does say goodbye but see you next year or sometime in the future.

Back to the room and wAtching a very beautiful sunset.  Bruce is trying to get a photo.   Door is open to the baloney and a slight breeze is coming up so the weather changing.

Spent the morning confirming reservations for the trip home.  Called Hertz and they said the car lot is easy to find.  We have been told that by everyone we have asked for directions from.  Bruce told the rep that if we cannot find it he is leaving the car.  The rep said someone would come and get us.  Again, this has been the most unnerving thing on this trip.  Plus not speaking Italian , really speaking and understanding for us, has been an inpetament .

So we leave around 10 a.m. should be there around noon.  Say a prayer that we have a save trip 

Not much else.

Take care.

G and B

Just got back

Went to walk around town for one more time. Had late lunch which was a home made pasta with sardines, raisins, pine nuts and finely ground bread crumbs.  My mom never made it cause my dad and I were the only ones who would eat it.  I know to some it might sound terrible but the raisins balance out the saltiness of fish.  Bruce had cream of asp soup and breaded veal.  Each had a glass of house local wine, $5 a glass, and we are amazed how wonderful it is.

Then a short walk to our favorite geletto and pastry shop, Bruce took a photo, and I had an almond filled flaky pastry and Bruce a double scoop of choc and one pistachio .  Sat there for awhile and talked to a couple from Conn with a tour group.  Said our goodbyes and off the our last stop to the cafe with the nice owners for our glass of Lemoncello .  In Italy one does say goodbye but see you next year or sometime in the future.

Back to the room and wAtching a very beautiful sunset.  Bruce is trying to get a photo.   Door is open to the baloney and a slight breeze is coming up so the weather changing.

Spent the morning confirming reservations for the trip home.  Called Hertz and they said the car lot is easy to find.  We have been told that by everyone we have asked for directions from.  Bruce told the rep that if we cannot find it he is leaving the car.  The rep said someone would come and get us.  Again, this has been the most unnerving thing on this trip.  Plus not speaking Italian , really speaking and understanding for us, has been an inpetament .

So we leave around 10 a.m. should be there around noon.  Say a prayer that we have a save trip 

Not much else.

Take care.

G and B

Today is Wed so it must be Cefula

Yesterday, Tues, we found the local museum which at one time the home of a count and his family.

None of the intro on the history of the museum or the works that were displayed in it were written in English but it was still grand to walk through it.  Saw antiqutestes like pottery, mosicas and then paintings of the count and his family.  I can see why that hung his mothers portrait across the room from everyone else's as she looked down right mean.   One item was the type of carriage that was carried on the shoulders of slaves/servants and from what I saw this family was short, skinny and small.  No place for big booties in that carriage.

Then onto lunch at the beach and it was a beautiful day.  I kept looking at our server as she seem very familiar but how.  Well  just as we were about to leave she asked me if we were staying here and I said yes.   She is Mirko's sister and we met on the day we arrived.  

Walked along the beach for a short time and I was pooped and decided we would take a taxi back, could not find one, so walked the hr to get back.   The only tough part is the last block before the B and B.  I have to keep reminding Bruce, and myself, thus walk is not a race so take our time, stop , look, sit watch people which makes it a little better.

Back to the room to finish reading Elle, fashion magazine , watch some tv, wash up and out we go.

Decided on a light dinner and back to the Dumo area for this wonderful bean soup plus I wanted calamreii, you know, that was outstanding.  Here in Sicily I have had limes with my seafood and lemons with the meat.  Anyway, the salt on this dish made it taste of the sea, no shit!   We decided on dessert.

Bruce had brioche, an egg type bread shaped in a round that is filled with your geletto of choice.  He. Had dark choc and this choc comes from southern sicily from a town calledModerna , along those lines, I have read about the town and the great choc that is made there. He could only eat the geletto.i

I had a bubba rum ba, which is a very light cake which is soaked in rum syrup very good but sweet.

Yesterday we watched small local fishing boats that come in around five, met by guys on scooters that put in the catch in small wooden crates and then park the scooters near apartments so people buy their fresh fish.

Speaking of scooters.  We see kids riding with adults , everyone wears helmets , riding in the front or back with adults.   Kids as young as three, no speeding just taking care of bus.   We have also seen dogs, teethed to the inside of the scooters where there is a floor, riding around with their owners.  From

Sizes of small to medium dogs.   Dogs are as cool with these rides as they wait until the owners are off

Helmets put away and then the dog is unleashed from the scooter then walked off.

We have seen only one loose dog here .   Most are small to med size though Paula saw a woman walking a full size German Shepard last night.   All these dogs seem very well trained

Of course I watch to see what women are wearing and Italian women here do not seem to be as body phobic as we do.   I have not seen one women wearing pj bottoms, sloppy looking clothes or unkempt at all from doing their market chores to their evening walks.  Women my size seem not to mind some of their body rolls displayed wearing their tops and, what we think of maybe their jeans being a little too

Tight just really hug their curves again, because their outfits are very well put together.   They take pride, as the men do it being neat and clean.

Today making phone calls to Palermo to confirm reservations.  Will leave around 9:30 in the morning as it is about an hr and half and the Hertz drop off in center of city.  One more item learned about renting cars overseas.

We did check into Bruce going fishing and here , compared to home, you rent the whole boat for day at about $500 per day.  Nope, Bruce said as I thought if he wants to he deserves it.   Also, we coke he'd about just a few hrs off a boat ride out to the sea but not here as they did Taromina.  Oh well, next trip to wherever Bruce is going to fish.

Today is the last day in Cefula and am sitting on the balcony looking out to the blue Med sea.

Grace. and Bruce

Trip to my grandparents village

We decided to drive to the village of Cerda on Monday.  An easy drive following Mirkos directions,not the GPS .   As I remember my aunts describing it as a hilly town with very little going on.   I will add to that a seedy , hilly, unfriendly town with very little going on.   I was not surprised but Bruce was as he thought it was going to be one of those pretty hillside villages outside of Lecce we visited.  We took some photos mainly for my Cousin Frankie who plans on going next yr with his four adult children.

Drove around looking for familiar names or places to park and walk around somewhat but the sky opened and it poured we were when city hall and public offices closed until 4 and we were not going to hang around for four hrs.   So off we went for a drive back to Cefula.  The rain continued as it is needed here as it has been without rain for six months.   Driving down the rd there were mini mud slides along the sides of the rd which made the rds very slippery.

Luckily we found a parking space back at the B and B.  Dropped of a bag of potatoe chips I bought at a gas station,  doesn't matter to me what country I am in as potatoe chips are always good, pit stop at the room and off we went to walk down different streets.

Weather was overcast and just ok.  Had late lunch, nothing memorable, got back to the room after being out for five hrs and decided to stay in.  I washed up, pjs on, bought two magazines in English and settled down about 7 knock on the door and it was Mirko will two pieces of pizza for us.  It was very good, not sure if homemade or take out, Bruce returned the plate and was gone awhile which surprised me as he is not always chatty with new people.   When he got back he met a couple who just got in from Aberdeen, Scotland .

We decided to get things together for leaving on Thursday.  Long to short of it I ended up emailing Journey travel in aberdeen five times as two different airports were listed for our departure , different addresses for dropping off the car, it is in the center of Palermo now, voucher was not checked out for being completed by travel agent.   Bruce handled it better than I did.

Afternoon

Doesn't matter where I am rain does seem to get me to a low energy point.  Bill, the terrier, and are affecte by the barometer dropping.   As at home, when a storm starts up the seagulls come in.  We have noticed there are not a lot of seagulls in either of the costal towns we have been in Sicily.

After a light dinner we do the walk around , the sitting, at the plaza.  Then we stop for our nightly Lemoncello .   When I write it sounds like we are old but doing the walk, stopping and walking on it feels easy and a nice way to complete a day.   

I also have to say these older italian women out pace and outwalk me at a steady pace.   Sicilians do not make eye contact readily nor do they greet strangers easily but after I see the same ones on our walks I am breaking them down with greetings in Italian and waving to the ladies I see on their balconies in the afternoon.   I don't stare, rude, but glance, greet and smile.  So far no one has slapped   Me or sworn at me so I am good.

Tomorrow we might take a drive.

Grace and Bruce, the fashion plate.

Sunday

The cruise was confirmed cancelled this a.m so had breakfast, short visit with Mirko and back to the room to put dirty clothes together , clean ones together and I am not sure but just in case together.

Then about noon down to town.  Weather looked good so no jackets or umbrella not real sunny but not bad.   Greeted the couple at the cafe we ate at last night and decided to have our evening Lemoncello there this evening.   Half way down to the sea clouds, gray sky and big rain drops.  We  were near Bruce's favorite men's shop and bought an umbrella and a scarf for my head and the owner charged Bruce 5 euros so tomorrow or Tues we buy some cookies as a thank you for him.

Decided we wanted our big lunch overlooking the sea again so headed down to the resturants by the water and choose a different one.   Bruce wanted risotto with fungi, potatoes and something else.  I had pasta made on premises and a side of grilled italian sausage to go with the Marconi , eggplant , tomatoes and basil and it was so damn good.  Bruce likes rice as his family had it a lot and his dish was good but he did not swoon over it as I did mine.   Bruce then wanted dessert and decided on something he had never had pan a cotta with strawberry topping and then it was his turn to swoon.

I had an espresso to give me that pick me up I need. With lunch or dinner I usually have the house red and these wines are wonderful.   Not many times I can say a house white I have in the States is wonderful.   Even Bruce is enjoying the Sicilian red wines.

Began to rain almost back to the room so the scarf and umbrella good bets.  When we returned we greeted by Mirko, his parents and Bill the dog who just makes me laugh and he lets me give him lots of love-loves.

Bruce is once again swooning over food as he bought choc covered orange peels, the sweet with the tart , and he says better than choc covered orange strings as those are way sweeter than these.

Time to relax , take our shoes off until we go out later.

Our coughs have lessened but still here, Bruce's sinus attacks are fewer and our knees, feet and ankles are holding up but is because we go at our own pace.

Five days, Stella, lewis  and Miss Etta until we get home and love on you .

Grace and Bruce

Sat

This morning we had a nice long conversation withMirko, the owner, of the B and B,  I think he is about 38 and talked about growing up in Cefula and Sicily.   He shared his passions, ideas you know the 38 , single and business is slow in the winter and I want to get away.  He asked for our address, etc. so if he goes to New York City next yr and, if he can, he would like to visit us.  So of course, and the easy thing is Mirko loves dogs, so this is a no brainer.

Guess what!  Today is rained, and rained.  Rain and it is still sooooo humid.  Mirko told us of a street market a short distance away, short walk.  He forgot to mention IT WAS STRAIGHT UP A HILL.   Thankfully the wLk happened before the rain.  The market was not just veggies and fruits but household goods, window treatment, name it they had it.

Before I forget.   This is for Shelby.   In this town and the one before you would have gone crazy with all the shoe stores and I am not kidding.  High , low, fancy, casual.  The Italians are in love shoes.

So , left the street market back down the rd to the start of old town.  Pizza and lemon soda, nice simple pizza. Fresh tomatoes, cheese and Parma ham.

Bruce decides that his suspenders do not function with his new shorts and wanted to go back to the same store with the owner who was so very nice to him.   Explained what Bruce wanted and the owner pulls out a boxes.   Either to small or too large.  The owner and Bruce decide on one as the owner tries to explain he can take care of it which he did.  I remember in my home town there was a men's store who had the punch to make new holes and tools to cut the leather then put the buckle back on and before we knew it the buckle fit.  Then Bruce wants another new shirt!!   So he picked the one he liked and Boom he bought it and that was it.  Bruce is going to be an Italian fashion plate on our return home.  

We decided to take the cruise to two of the Aeolian islands but when we got back from dinner tonight Mirko told us the cruise was cancelled due to the weather.   I was sure it would be as it thundered most of the day, Bruce said it would be a go.  am glad it was as I was not enthusited about the trip.

We decided to eat at a small place , down the hill, and at first I was not happy with the choice.  The food was so-so but the family was a real joy to be with.  Dad, mom, Georgia, university student, who wants to teach and Brian, teen age son.  As the dad explained, his cousins in the States have given all their children Italian names but the dad loves Irish names so he liked Bruce's name.

Tomorrow if the rain stays we will hang out here and rearrange the stuff in suitcases.

Six days and we will be hugging the dogs and Bruce can catch up on a months worth of tv programs.

The trip , overall, minus the driving is great.

I want the sun back

Grace and Bruce

Yesterday

Nice breakfast, a combination of English and Italian breakfast. Then out we went, since it is a long hill down first stop is for a lemon soda after that onto discovering a new town.   Hard to belief it was a first full day.  Bruce decided he wanted another pair of shorts as we sent a his one pair home .  So went into two men's store zip the third one the owner was great.   Bruce bought the shorts, then he decided on a shirt shocked me.

Onto a new hike down another hill in old town and decided it was time for lunch and we looked at one or two and finally I told Bruce to make a decision as we both had to use the toilette and he made a terrific one as the server took us down three, short , flight of steps to seating looking over the Med.

That was one WOW moment.   We watched the feral cats , not too many, walk around and people walking a paved path and they stopped, took a photo and walked out.   That is not enjoying the views to us as we sat for a long time just sighing about the sun and water.

Then a walk to the public beach and there was no shade so that was a short stay.  Looked for the theatre where one of my favorite all times movie was made, cinema paradiseo, it is a subtitled movie and is a tearful but happy also.   Didn't find it so made the long trip back to the B and B.  Played with Bill, the terrier, then back to the room to cool off and relax.  This time Bruce even took a nap.

Back out about 5:30 and walked found a neat place near the Dumo and I had fork tender beef and Bruce had a dynamic bowl of figoli soup.  The back to the room for a good night.

It ain't Taormina

Well, we said goodbye to Salvatore, owner of the B and B in taromina and headed out to Cefula.   I must say the drive on the auto and was fairly easy as it was a straight shot to the turn off to Cefula and that is when we got hopelessly lost.  After 45 minutes trying to follow the Gps we called Mirko, the owner, and he sent his dad to rescue us.   GOOD THING AS WE WOULD HAVE NEVER FOUND THIS PLACE WITHOUT HIM!!!!!   The enterance is on the side of an apartment building then a huge enterway with no signs, an elevator, again No signs, three doors , one has Ma and Mi on it.  Walk into a 

Very modern living room and kitchen and met the owner, nice kid who talks faster than I do.

His dad made a welcoming drink for us which was very good and refreshing.  Then he opened a door to a hallway where there are six doors to the rooms.   Our room is small but very modern and a modern looking bathroom.   For those of us who go to Lynn's in Aberdeen, the wall behind the bed is the lime green in her salon which she said is a good luck color.  Hurrah.

A nice balcony where when you sit and look out you have a stunning view of the sea and one of the Aeolian islands.  Stand up and look down and you see junk so we will sit a lot on the balcony.

So Mirko tells us how to get to the city center, sort of like an old town, a short walk down a steep hill but we did  it.   Had an ok lunch then walked on to explore some of the area as we needed to get bearings.  Along with that I wanted to see the Domo ----of Cefula.   It is strange and stunning at the same time.   Iam sure the main alter and art work is Bystaine, and the church is cavernous.  I believe it is the oldest church we have been it and i felt uncomfortable.  The walls are empty, no candles burning

Very empty in many ways.  I am so used while in Italy to have churches all around which are small , intimate and newer(1400s).  

Ok, then we hike down hills, stop for coffee, geletto for Bruce and try to find something to bring back to the room as we are not doing the typical Italian dining which is about 7, anyway , not here cause of the walk and am not sure how safe this town is.   While in Taromina we did not see one person wearing the money around their necks.

Back up the hills to the room and after entering the living room, which is really the living room for guests and Mirko and his parents, we are greeted with barking from Bill, a smooth coated Terrier, which made me very happy.  Cute, happy dog who wanted to follow us to our room but Mirko would not let him.

Now we are deciding which Aeolian islands to visit and what day.   Then planning a day to see the village my moms parents were from.

Seven in the evening and we are in for the duration.

Grace and Bruce

Last night in Taromina

Slow easy day today .  Walked around some more discovered some ruins and a wall that had , at on time, shrouded bodies but now the wall is the back drop for a park like setting.

Found out by watching some tv here that Kevin Costner, Owen Wilson and Antino Bandaris all speak perfect Italian as we see them in commercials here.

Once again, our dates seem to be mixed up as I did not add the 9th to Cefula as I should have.  The last thing I want to do is spend an extra day in Palermo.   We have to get up at 3 am to catch the shuttle at 4 am.   We are not happy with that scheduling by the travel agent but she said it could not be changed as it went through the Adventi Travel group.

So, this is a beautiful area well worth a revisit.

Last leg tomorrow.

Grace and Bruce

Fun bus ride

Yesterday we took a two bus ride around the surrounding towns of Taormina and it was so much fun.

The bus is open sides and roof and I will add that every tour bus we have taken in Italy have seat belts.

As usual, the weather was beautiful .  The whole bus ride was a blast and the driver and guide young and fun.   First their was a recorded guide telling us about the different towns and when that was finished it went to Virgin radio where we listend to hard rock from 70 and 80s.  To me it seemed strange but the music worked as we roared down some of the high , high windy roads.  The drivers must passed some of test as they are buses pass each other with just inches between.

First town was Castelmola with a population about Westport.   This town sits high above Taormina this town is pre Hellenistic.   The streets are so narrow that about three can walk abreast .  The road leading up has beautiful hotels leading up and we watch people make that walk.   A stunning outdoor restaurant overlooks the sea, Taormina , mt Entna.  The wind was up so very warm that it did cool us down a bit.

Then back to Taormina to pick up and drop off people.  On to a resort area, beach , called Giardina Naxos.  This town directly overlooks the sea and is the first Greek colony in Sicily.  We did not have time to go to the archaeological areas but the beach was beautiful.  It was a fishing village up to about 30 yrs ago when tourism became the number money maker.    Sounds sort of similar to Westport.

The fishing here seems to be tuna, anchovies (I had marinated ones that were Wonderful) Bruce did not even want to look at them.

We then drove down to a town directly on the water that was just plain beautiful.  As a matter of fact this was an area that we would come back to stay.  Never again being gone for a month but ten days would be easy to do.   Pretty boats take visitors on tours of the bay's, there is a grotto where the water is emerald green to sapphire blue according to people we talked to yesterday.  Warm , warm and not to hot.

Then onto te last town called Letojanni which is a major tourist destination.  Again the beaches are white sand and very clean and well maintained.

This area was really discovered during the 50s as it really borders Taormina.   A Dr Hauser built a villa to house his patients many from Holloywood and Greta Garbo was a regular.

Then it was back to Taormina.  We discovered so much more here than we really knew and, again, just full of all kind of history from ancient to modern.

Before I forget, Oscar Wilde was a regular at this B and B we are staying at.  The who who's of Hollywood were regulars in this area ; Burt Lancaster, one of my favorite actors, the Burtons, Sophia,

Audery Hepburn a zillion .

This afternoon we happened on a restaurant and the inside walls were covered with photos of the owners with many notable Americans .   Senator Tom Harkin, Michael Douglas, American movie directors,  on and on.

So now we are back in the hotel to rest then back out for an early dinner as we leave tomorrow.

Yup, we would come back here.   We are learning so much about ourselves as travelers.  Like, no need to drive with all that anxiety as trains, taxis are great.

Plus, we have learned to take a roll of masking tape with us when we travel if we plan on shipping stuff home.

Tonight will be quite for us dinner and packing and trying not to be too anxiety ridden with the drive from here to Cefula.

Bruce is feeling some what better but not a whole bunch better.  So I am worried about his driving and stress level but his appetite is fine as he is eating his second piece of tarrone candy.

Grace and Bruce

Tues morning

We decided to get to the post office when it opened at 8:30 to mail boxes back that contained unnecessary items plus some items purchased here.  First thing is the wait and to take a number ,which I have to do in the big PO in Oly.   Second the tape that is provided is not strong enough and were given directions to the market which had none.    All tape here in English is scotch tape so we were told.  Given directions to a little store and he did have scotch tape back to the po.

The clerk was none to happy with the tape but in broken italian and English we explained it was all we could find and one look at Bruce's face any one would know he was pissed.  The clerk was a gem throughout this experience and helped us through the paper work, spelling the whole thing.

There was one classical moment in the po. For those of you who have seen French or italian flicks where the po clerk hits the stamp on the ink pad, then hits the letter , then repeats it at a rapid rate with a beat to it, that was our clerk!

I forgot to tell you about a cute event we saw last night at dinner and everyone at the resturant, Il Dumo, laughed.   This place sits on a small plaza where there are apartments to one side with each having a balcony.   There were several small dogs, on leashes, with the owners either walking them or sitting at a cafe.    As we know when one barks, they all bark.   All of a sudden we all here a really deep bark and look up at the apartments and see a fairly larger Cocker spaniel barking and barking as to take command of the dogs.   This when on for a few minutes when all of a sudden a little boy maybe about six comes out on the balcony next door and begins to talk to the spaniel.  We thought it was cute but the dog began barking at the boy.   All of a sudden, the boy raises his voice, starts with the hand gestures to dog and the dog sits listens to the boy, the boy finishes the dog back to his apartment and the boy turns to his audience, all of us, gives us a big smile and goes back in.  The kid had a look of triumph on his face.  It was so cute and then small ,short, conversations began between tables.  There were, Germans, Dutch, English, Italians and us.  These are the things I like and one reason I am not a picture taken.

Right now I am sitting out on the balcony watching tourists and locals walk by.  I want to move to sunny Italy cause the local women always dress up, even casually , looks dressed up to me.  Plus wouldn't it be nice to wear short sleeves, sleeveless tops the end of Sept.  But then again, no, cause I am longing for our house, OUR DOGS, and family and friends.  A thing I have noticed in Italy.   You know how when we wear sheer tops our bras are flesh tone or we wear camisoles, not here as I just saw a woman go by with a wearing a beautiful sheer white lace top and her bra showed and she wasn't kid and it looked fine.  I don't even wear sleeveless unless I have a shirt over.

Yesterday and today

Yesterday we left early for a trip along the eastern interior of sicily.   We first stopped at a town Noto with Barouqe bldgs.  To be honest, it was a boring tour after looking and staying in Lecce.  Then it was onto a Roman villa which contained mosicas which I find fantastic.   The villa and the mosicas are dated 400 yrs after the death of Christ.   Our group was small, about 20 of us, so no one got lost in the shuffle.  Bruce did get some photos of them.   I will say that we do not take a lot of photos but did take some of the mosicas.  Like the Jewish community in Lecce where you walk over parts of the town it was the same with the villa.   One part that was complete and you looked down on it where two large vats that held the wine and were still stained purple.  Seeing those vats still stained was strange.

Then onto a very , very small fishing village that sat right on the Med.  and , at one time , a very busy tuna fishing village.  It was beautiful in many ways as it really did not have a bay but just opened right into the sea.  Some of the boats were the small wooden ones painted the red, green and white of the Italian flag.   Once again, family Sunday dinners with many families out for the big meal of the day mid afternoon.  This was the bad tasting meal I had eaten.   As a matter of fact it was lousy.   I had capanoto which is eggplant and other veggies, pine nuts and raisins slowed cooked but this had to much vinegar.   Then risotto with seafood that was too oily to enjoy .  Bruce had a salad which was, well, just a salad.

Then back to town.   We left at 8 got back at 6.  A long day with seeing a lot of scenery which was semi arid again similar to what we saw in Northern Mexico.   

Bruce was , and still is, a trooper as his cold turned into sinus headache.   Today was an easy day and just walked around viewed the sea and met a nice couple from Brighton, England who were here for a wedding.   The girl is a professional singer and sang at the wedding and her boyfriend said she was terrific.   Cute couple.

Back to the room and getting ready for bed.

Eleven days until we get home and I am looking forward to it.

Learned, fewer clothes and shoes and always take over the counter meds for poor Bruce who does his very best.

Grace and bruce☺️

Bruce has a cold

Yup, Bruce has a hacking cough or cold and we are in early tonight.  We have been to the pharamacy twice and they have very little compared to what we have in the States.   Over the counter for us is by prescription here so poor Bruce is suffering.

Anyway, today it was off to do laundry and it was a climb.   We have seen those stairways made of stone in Italy but the pictures only show the first level.  We have four levels to climb and it was work.

When we finally got there the place was bright and clean.  How they work it is you pay an attendant for the machine and he then inserts a card into a machine where their are numbers that coordinate with the machines and that's it.   We were there for an hr and got it done until I realized that Bruce had only one shirt there.   He forgot to look in the closet for rest of them.  Too bad as I am not climbing those steps again.

We then got a shuttle to take us down the very steep hills to ck on the car, catch it back 15 minutes later.   Where the shuttle let's people off is at the bottom of a hill which begins the climb onto the Main Street. So there is traffic coming down a hill from the right, going down a different hill, motorbikes coming up behind us going onto a rd to left and right and right in the middle of the hill sits a little area where cars can park.  People , us walk , walk through it, not quite super people but if you don't , you would be celebrating your next birthday waiting for a break in the traffic.

The people here are more reserved , locals, than they were in Leece.  I know from experience that Sicilians are more reserved than Northern Italians, not rude, but a lot harder to get to know.  

We looked at some ruins today and many look the same.  Surprise.

Returned to the same place we have eaten before so we can look over the blue water.  As we were leaving a wedding party was entering a church and had a huge crowd of tourists clapping for the bride and her dad as they walked up the steps.  This is the fourth wedding we have seen since we have been in Italy.

As I said each town as a main plaza and today there were two men , one on a mandolin and other guitar, signing traditional Italian songs along with Volarie which everyone joined in on the choirs.  It made everyone feel good.

Wind has picked up tonight so people are in sweaters and large scarves all wrapped up.

Tomorrow we are off for a day of sight seeing to some small coastal towns and an in land one.

Let's say a get feel prayer for Brucie.

Grace

quiet day

Not much today as Bruce has come down with a bad cough, which I am just getting rid off. I think it is living with a c plus neither of us have our c paps with us.   Did so more exploring and met a very nice and interesting people from England and the wife gave me some reading recommendations on English period history.

Had an early dinner and just got back to the room . Tomorrow is laundry day and deciding what clothes to send home.  Tonight is opera night here and the performance of Carmen is sold out which bummed me out as it is my very favorite.  How things work out as Bruce is feeling funky so it worked out.

So a very slow and laid back day.

Grace and Sleeping Bruce

This is great

Just got back from dinner and , again , a wonderful one.  I had a pasta dish with eggplant and tomatoes and Bruce had veal Marsala that he swooned over.  We walked all day over just part of the day.

We are laughing at the booze , amount we drink.   Had a great breakfast provided by B and B walked next door and signed up for a tour on Sunday.  Did not do the sunset to mt Entna as it gets back at 11 at night and we, I, would be wasted the next day and sleep most of it. We found out there is an open bus that drives along the area and we can ride to the beach or near by small towns so we will do that one day.

So, at noon we stop at this little cafe and have wine and Campari, for me.   Walk around and around . Lunch again wonderful pasta dinners and Bruce is close to licking the plate.  Beer and wine.  Back to the room as businesses close from 1-4 here.  Come back take off shoes and nap.  Walk towards a new location and find the post office as we are mailing clothes home.  Stopped for a Lemoncello .

Walked to find the laundromat, success, back to room for an hr off to dinner with wine and Lemoncello. If we had those many drinks at home we would be inbred after the ones at noon.

We think it is not only the walking but the difference in temps.  

We met a couple from Britian today and struck up a conversation and we all said we were pinching ourselves sitting having a coffee, and dessert, we do that also visiting with each other at the end of Sept in the sun blue sky looking out over the Med.  Sea.  Being waited on by Aldo our server who was so much fun and made everyone smile and glad that we were there.

Lecce was a beautiful old city with a lot of history, from the 13th century to post WWII.   Taromina is a whole different town with an atmosphere we associate with sports cars driving down twisted highways, to down hair blowing in the wind or scarf over hair wearing big sunglasses.  I guess that depends if you see Sophia Loren or Audery Hepburn in your minds eye.   That's what this area is like.  I see a lot more casual dress here with most women but the older ,local Italian women come out for their nightly walks very well dress with their string of pearls on, handbags , hair done walking arm and arm.  People watching is so much fun.

Shelby, if you read this the drinks we have are in very small glasses and do not think it is sophiscated .

We are OLD and you are not.  Love you Sweetie.

That's it for now.

Grace and Bruce

Arrived in Taromina

Of course I will begin with getting out of Reggieo Calabria , we did it. Bruce did it.  Got on the ferry and it was a nice crossing.  Just 20 minutes and what we have found the transportation system we have used is on time.  So far we have traveled by plane, car, bus, train and boat.  

Messina , guess what,is driving hell for us but ,again but Bruce remembered reading autostrad found it, got turned around twice and arrived inTaromina.

This city is an international tourist center and shops galore.   How about:  Gucci, Valentino  red, mui mui, prada and dolce and garbana!  This city is built into a hillside and sits above the blue Med. Sea.

Our hotel is on the main promenade and the verndana sits right over it and we sit and watch the people.  Once those doors are closed the noise is shut out.

The hotel rating n trip advisor was too high as it is very plain and old.

Beginning to rain and some thunder so I am going back I and rest my feet.

Went out to find a light plate of something like fruit, not here compared to Lecce which I found unusual.

Cause as we lost in Messian along the main streets fruit and beautiful veggie trucks were setup.  The peaches and grapes looked beautiful as we drove past at 45 miles per hr and we were going slow.

But we found a place that sits across from plaza that looks over the sea and split a salad with tuna, delicious , olives, you get the picture and it was so good. Bruce is even getting I into the swing of not wanting heavy food at all.  What he loves his veal and the way it is prepared very light.

My eyes are bugging out and the c c are steaming with the outrageously beautiful handbags from Milan but I have mind and love it.

Oh, I have to tell you this.  Where we ate this afternoon the tables are placed on very wide steps and one has to take large steps to reach your table.  Anyway, two Russian women wanted at table and one in her 50-60 had on a dress so short and so tight that even Bruce noticed that she showed more than a bathing suit along with no underware.   Why?   I felt a little sorry for her but on the other hand she walked tall and proud.   This tourist crowd is a whole different from Lecce.

Plus we found out there is an international film festival here each year which draws thousands.

Tomorrow we will look into taking some tours, not sure which ones.

Grace

Driving is terrible

I slept in until 9 this a.m. Bruce up at 7, who knows why .  Anyway we left at 12:30 to find the ferry and got lost in these streets for45 minutes.  Even though the street names where shouted our from theGPS, the st signs are on sides of bldgs and are very faded.  Long and short we found the ferry 20 minutes out of town.  Getting back to the B and B was a little better except we got caught up in traffic where everyone goes home for the five hr break and that took twenty minutes going around the same blocks.  Traffic is a nightmare as there are no stop signs, or stop lights here , we saw two in Lecce, and the streets are a tangle it makes for us high anxiety.

Took a walk later as I wanted to see a local church down the street and we were getting hungry.  Most of the eating places open at8 but found a sm wine bar and it was wonderful.  The owner explained what his establishment wasn't , no pasta, no meat etc. in very good English and I explained in terrible Italian that is not what we wanted.  Long and short he put toghter plates of local cheeses, a caprese salad but in this area of Italy parsley, not basil is used.   Remember Janice and Ernie that Ma always used parsley with tomatoes .  I doubt from here on down to Sicily will we have basil.  We asked him to choose the wine and, Janice, that wine is the closest I have Ever come to tasting grandpas wine.

One the plate was local ricotta cheese with mielie, which is honey.   I have read about this honey but hard to find.  Anyway, it is only from this area and the bees go to this citrus tree that is indegnious to here.   It is beragmount and it is simply Out of this world.  He also gave us some hard candies made with it.  Then it started to rain thunder, lighting and we thought it was nice as it cooled down.  The owner thought we were potso walking back in the rain but it was warm and nice.

Tomorrow off to Sicily  more driving.  Bruce is good as I am close to throwing up at times.

Grace and Bruce

Second half

We just got back from 7 hr drive and tour of the countryside to visit olive groves, vineyard and on to visit the towns of Ortuni , a beautiful white hillside town, the onthe rd toa town called Alber---------as I can't remember the name but it is the town with all the Truillas , beehive shaped huts, and it was an Italian Seaside, Or town as all the Truillas are tourist shops.  There was a young British couple with us then the guide, Slyvia, and the driver Leonardo.  Each excellent and overall nice people.

Slyvia dropped Leo of at her parents home and we continued on.   Hrs later picked him up, met his parents who invited us in to eat or get something to drink.   The other couple had to catch a train and Bruce and I are old and wanted to get back to the room, take off our shoes and turn on the ac.

When we got back to the room Micheangelo 's wife had a veal parmigiana casserole and homemade bread waiting for us!   Isn't that one of the sweetest things?

So, now I am going to have a little something to eat as the veal is one of my all time favorite foods.

Bruce did an outstanding job driving six hrs to reach Reggieo Calbira , sizeofTacoma maybe, while I was holding Genevive, the gps, who was talking to Bruce .   Most of the highway was like driving from Aberdeen to Oly, state highway, but once we entered this city it was a totally different driving and riding exp.

The streets are extremely narrow and curvy then the cars are parked on the sidewalk and the street.

Believe it or not, it is controlled chaos and it works for them .  

This room is so cool!  We left a room in Lecce that was built on the old city, had limestone in the ceiling, the little like shrine that held the coffee maker and frig and walk into this Ulta modern white

Room.  

Ok, hard to find the front door and when we do are confronted by stairs.  Oh shit , but did find the elevator once we looked.   Onto the first floor and met the cutie owner Francesco who took the stairs as we did the lift and walked into this sm grouping of white doors each with a different name, like harmony.  The rooms surrounded this common room that holds three white tables with blue glass tops and each has a bench on each side.   White glass embossed sliding glass doors hide the kitchen net.

Oh, I had the nicest event this a.m.   Our room in Lecce was in an alley and there were apartments along the alley.   Each morning when we went to put the money in meter for the car we passed one apartment at the end where each morning I would stop and chat with this elderly lady, this morning I looked in the open door but didn't see her.  I was disappointed as we just seemed to click.  At the end of the alley this a.m Bruce and Claudia, works for Micheangelo , were waiting for me.  All of a sudden Claudia told me to turn around as someone was talking to me and it was my friend .  She was at the window hanging her wash on one of those standing wash racks that many of us remember.   Went over and hugged and said our caios.   Claudia translated for both of us.  I wish I had prescense of mind to have Bruce take a photo as she was special.  Those are my special memories of people I met in Lecce, some Italian and other British.

When we arrived here I asked Francesco where the places to eat were and said down the street but don't open until 8 p.m.!   Hell, at home we are in our pjs getting ready for bed at 8.

Reggieo IS very much like Tac  as neither can be called clean in their up keep.

Oh, another nice item with this room is we have a sm veranda were we can look out onto the street.

Just a little table with two chairs and private.  It was so cute when we were sitting there and Francesco came up to clean off the table as there was ash from Mt Entna .  We can see Sicily from the veranda.

I guess we are entering phrase two of this trip.  Quickly I will write driving down the highway much of the landscape is like Mexico.   Arid, dry, you get the idea.  Parts are very green ,sm hills and no olive treesbutthe beginning of fruit trees.

Good night.

Grace and Bruce

Sunday night

Decided to do dessert first and went back to Alvinos where Bruce had that beautiful dessert.  I had a scoop of the most flavorful dark chocolate geletto I have ever had and I am not kidding.  Also, I had scoop of pistachio that melted in my mouth.  Bruce copied me with that.  Walked around a bit and back to the room.  Before I forget, every dessert comes with a fan of white chocolate and cookies along with decoration like shinning paper.

Another thing are the shoes the women wear.  They are a sight to behold as what I saw tonight were the high wedges in sneakers and dress shoes and they are beautiful.  Plus, it is not unusual to seeing a man carry his wife's handbag.   

This was a very hot and humid day it even got to me and hit Bruce pretty hard so we are glad that this room is so cool.

Karen, found out today that your last name means soap in a Italian and took a photo of a st with your name on it to show you when we next lunch.

Good night.

Grace and Bruce

Sunday afternoon

After breakfast we had a mini tour of the Jewish underground settlement by Joseph.  The short of it 14th-15th century the Jewish community was destroyed and all the bldgs along with scared texts by the Church.   Many artifacts were "repurposed" for the bldg of the new Lecce and important ones disappeared .  A few British ladies stopped us and asked about our tour as they were familiar with the Jewish history of Lecce and were disappointed that no tours ever address it.  So we felt fortunate to have exp.  a small part of it.

The we walked up to the plaza and Bruce had the most outrageous ice cream sundaes we have seen or tasted!  We also had a local espresso drink that has either a small amount of almond make or has dry ice then sugar to keep it cold.  It as so damn good.

Then onto a really long walk on the other side of Lecce plaza and discovered a second part with more eating establishments, art galleries, clothing shops, lucky for our c c not in my size and beautiful Barouqe churches.   I got hungry and we looked for an interesting place and we found one.  This was the best meal we had in Lecce.  We were the only English speaking couple there so had to find a server and menu in English.  As we looked around it was a very typical Sunday afternoon, after Mass, Italian meal and what I mean is four to five courses.  Pasta, salad, meat or fish, side veggie , dessert (fresh fruit) and then coffee.  I had the most wonderful spag with clams and mussels , bruce had and outrageous veal dish with fungi and a sauce that I kept sponging up with my bread.  We had the server choose a glass of local wine for us.  Bruce liked it and I know that Ina would enjoy it also.  It was ok for me.  What we did notice that French fries are so really popular and I mean popular.  Almost every table near us ordered them with their eat course except the elderly couple near us had a potatoe side dish.

we ended with a small plate of fresh fruit and the price was reasonable.

Back to the room to rest and repack.  May email later.  Say a prayer for us for our first foray with the car.

Second half

We just got back from 7 hr drive and tour of the countryside to visit olive groves, vineyard and on to visit the towns of Ortuni , a beautiful white hillside town, the onthe rd toa town called Alber---------as I can't remember the name but it is the town with all the Truillas , beehive shaped huts, and it was an Italian Seaside, Or town as all the Truillas are tourist shops.  There was a young British couple with us then the guide, Slyvia, and the driver Leonardo.  Each excellent and overall nice people.

Slyvia dropped Leo of at her parents home and we continued on.   Hrs later picked him up, met his parents who invited us in to eat or get something to drink.   The other couple had to catch a train and Bruce and I are old and wanted to get back to the room, take off our shoes and turn on the ac.

When we got back to the room Micheangelo 's wife had a veal parmigiana casserole and homemade bread waiting for us!   Isn't that one of the sweetest things?

So, now I am going to have a little something to eat as the veal is one of my all time favorite foods.

We are off on a small tour to some nearby towns and I AM HOMESICK!   I miss my dogs , you people, Pilates and ?   Though everyday here is hot and sunny which I LOVE.

More later.

Whatever day it is

Slept in today but had to get to the little eating place that provides breakfast to this B and B.  Then walked to the parking lot to put money in for the car.   We thought about just driving out and about but I cannot stress enough that Italian drivers wait for no one and I mean no living being on earth. So we chickened out and walked outside the walls of old town.  We sat for a few minutes watching air conditioned tourist bus after bus stop and let out groups to walk the old town and see them an hr or so later looking worn out and not very excited about what they saw.

Walked back and stopped at a little out door cafe for a glass of vine and olives and tried to tell the server, in Italian, we would see them tonight for dinner.  He no more understood me than I could understand him.  Finally a man from Beligum translated to him what I said.  I still content the further East and South you get in Italy one should have a good working speaking and understanding of Italian.

We are taking a walking tour tomorrow of the underground city of Lecce .  A lot of the blgs now have either limestone walls, ceilings rooms that were carved out of the blgds left standing .  This was once, during the Spanish Inquistion , a huge Jewish settlement but during the Inquistion, the Jews were put to death for not converting.

Then on Sat. Micheangelo has arranged a driver and tour guide to drive us to two towns about two hrs away as they have blgds called Truillos or beehives and that will take all day.

Health wise we are doing ok.  Bruce's knee is swollen and feels warm and I try not worry to much and ice is something they have here.  I did ckeck with the travel agent about the possibility of leaving early just in chase it is expensive but ..

Not much else.

Grace and Bruce

Car day

Picked up the rental car today and, of course, got all turned around as the Gps uses English spelling of streets but the B and B owner came to our rescue .  The parking lot is half an hr walk each way to

Put two euros in each day .  Not convenient at all but small stuff.   Today when we got back to the room we had a fresh fruit tart, how nice is that.  Walked around this old town again which is pretty big and will do some exploring outside these walls tomorrow.

The town closes from 1:30-5:30 each day se we come back in for an hr , take another shower and back out. Bruce just nodded off in the chair as though it seems we are in the room a lot but we leave as soon as we cool off.

Tonight as walked the plaza , as the locals do, as we have the passed few nights we got followed by a real scum bag on a bike for a few blocks but he finally stopped.   I know this happens in any world wide city but it is so unnerving when your not to make eye contact and just tell them to fuck off.

So we left before dark tonight.

Micheangelo 'wife made the fruit tart for us today.  We have met so many nice people. Right now we watching an Italian tv ad which is so funny as most have some funny, not offensive, sexual undertones.

Now, we have learn about ordering antapasta in Italy, they are not SMALL.   It is plate after plate after plate.  Today I thought it was just cold cuts and bread, along with small bowls of fruit, veggies and peanuts.    It was wonderful and just the last of it for dinner along a piece of fruit tart.

We have taken some photos but the iPad is not the way .  Bruce is really tired of looking at Barouge churches , Lecce, but I just love the paintings inside.  They may not have been by the great masters but they are heavenly.

Yesterday, Micheangelo took us to met four generations of artisans , living masters, who do restorations on religious statues but done with paper mâché , wire, certain type of paste they make up.

I wish it would have been permitted to take photos but in the back room where they paint the skin parts sat great grandma, grandma, well dressed and sitting there .

Speaking of which, the women, not girls, are dressed to the nines walking around the plaza.  Small heels, hair and nails done, makeup on.  Just visiting with each other and looking those who walk by with a real critical eye.  Fun to watch.

That's it for tonight.

Train trip

Too long and not scenic at all.  We did sit with a nice American couple from Wisconsin half way , then we had to catch different trains.  We sat on the train for nine hrs and the Italian first is not what Americans think but the seats were fine.  Bruce found out we could have been here in five not nine hrs

which you can guess did bot sit well with us.

Lecce is a beautiful Barouqe city and walked around a little.  Think we will take a guided tour for some things.  Pick the car up tomorrow and just might park it and take it when we leave.

Am shocking myself as I am not doing well as a world traveler to parts unknown.  Last night upon arriving here no B and B owner to pick us up and after half got a wonderful cab driver who called the owner for us and waited with us until he came.   As Bruce said that is the attitude we have hoped for.

To be honest as I stand now I feel like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz as there is no place like home.

Thing when we do an international trip again will do it with others.  Am eating my words as I always said that is not how we travel but learning we can see and do more in that context.

Ok, very hot and beautifully sunny.

Love,  Grace

Ok the tour.

ROk, so we purchased passes to get into the Vicitian Museum, that includes Sistene Chapel and st Peters.  No tour.   When we arrived the area is Massive, thousands of people on Friday too.  Hawkers all over selling tours with guides plus ear buds etc.  I fell for one.  Half an hr walk to sign up plus 20 Euros more per person.  As ours did include not some areas.  People on the tour from all over the world plus honeymooners out ofNew York.  Roberto was our guide and his name should have been rooster as he was the cockiest man and more interested in the two girls from Russia then anything.

A three tour became five and half and it was lousy in the respect that what I did want to see the Raphel

Works we did not see at all.  Interesting pt to remember.  There are about 521 steps, no shit, and we did them all.  If we had broken away from the tour we had to back the way we came whereas with the guide can go out the back exit and , more stairs, to St Peters which I did want to spend time in.  The crowds inside were so big was difficult to stop and read that is one reason we do not like tours but am learning talking to other travels it depends on the tour company.

Taxi ride back to the hotel.  ZOOM____________!  The drivers drive at a crazy speed to us and not once did he slam on the breaks.  Sort of fun and can see why Italians love sports cars as they think everything is one.

Ate dinner at the roof top resturant , again, love the food and service is wonderful.  We find the servers wonderful and the We find the Romans arragronant , get my misspelling, they do not seem to want to extend themselves one bit to help out.  What I see and hear are other tourists helping others with directions.

 

Guess what we did the next day, very little, just walked around the neighborhoods , ate lunch at a very nice place we happened upon.  Beautiful marble everywhere and the toilet fixtures are modern works of art.  We had antapasta for lunch and Bruce is even drinking sparkling water and only soda so far.

I have had a few bantering sessions with some and it was fun.

Today Sunday , Bruce went to breakfast without me, brought back some yogurt and then walked to the train station to get our bearings when we leave tomorrow.  We are glad to be going but we did find today the train station , like the streets, are full of hustlers and thieves.   Wears people out being on the look out but I do think the more one travels in Rome the more comfortable one becomes and there is so much to exp.  I would come back.

Love From The Weary Travelers

Continued

So, we found the most delightful resturant walking around with the most attentive wait staff.  I had fish soup which was out of this world.  Grilled smoked tuna with a few sm clams, I shrimp anyway with a broth that knocked my shoes off.  I ordered cake , chocolate with whipped cream that was so leggereo that it floated off the plate.

A young waiter,Alex, helped me with my Italian and I explained some English speech idioms to them.

What happened two young men, who had eight courses, two bottles of wine, yup I counted, responsed when asked by Alex if they enjoyed the meal and one guy said what do you think and One could tell Alex was offended.  I later explained that when he was shown the empty plate and was told that the customer loved it.   So we had language lessons.  As we were having dessert one server brought us each a glass of Lemeoncelo which tastes so different than we get at home.

I will cont later about the day yesterday which we took not quite the tour of hell through the St Peters and the museum.   No luck on going to the Borghese gallery as I did not book from home, no one at the desk was helpful.  I did not find the hotel PC and printer until this am

Will tomorrow about the tour and today.

Love, Grace and Brucie

Day one really.

Well,today was really our first day with feet on the ground.  Had to get up at 7 after a pretty restless night.  Comfortable bed, now I know my sleep comfort number is high, but had to drag myself around.

Went to the roof top resturant for breakfast and it was great and I mean it had close to everything, except biscuits and gravy.

Then down to the lobby to meet our driver whose name is Valdamar and he was prefect.  There were six of us.  Patty and Nancy from Fla who are dragon boat competitors and were here for that race which was in Ravenna,Italy.  Then we picked up Mel and Perry from Ark and she is a hoot.  Thank God for her Southern charm.  Short, blonde, perky and full of life and she and her husband adopted a baby three yrs ago, Blakely and she had photos and he is a beauty.  

We had a wonderful three hrs with these people including Valdamar who is Ukcrain , you know, who speaks seven language fluently .  It rained but not too hard and just got back to the room and it is pouring down.  Reminds me of rain in summers growing up as the windows are open and it is cooling it down.

Now for a list of places and some photos I took with the iPad but Bruce took a lot with the camera.

Oh before I forget.  Paula, Bruce whipped out the camera and showed photos of Miss Etta and Lewis and before we knew it Nancy, from Fla quiet one, and whipped out her photos of her Doxies and one is 6 months.

 

Part Duo, the tour.

Ok first stop.  San Pietro in Vincoli.  This church was built to house the house the chains which bound St Peter were he was hung up side down while in Jerusalem.  I know it sounds gruesome , and it is, but think St. Peter the very first Pope.  Secondly we saw the statue became the home of Michelangelos statue of Moses.  Of course I cried to actually see the church but to look at the creation of Micheangelo.  Again, I am talking thousands of yrs!   St. Peter's chains.

Second,  The Arch of Contstantine built in, wait A.D. 315.  Don't need any drugs to blow your mind when you realize slave labor that built it, the designer, the cravings and the historical significance.

On to the Colosseum.  What kind I write about it.  To stand before it is outstanding but my rush is when we drove up to it and that vista breathtaking.  Remember, I am the broad who did not want to see any ruins.  Eat my words.

Then to the Peoples Pizzaza where the church was built by contributions by people not rich patrons of the era.

Fifth stop. Castle St Angelo where popes went to hide out when there was political troubles.

Sixth stop.  The Spanish Steps which are pastel color, faded, but noticeable.  We entered at the top where it is not as powerful as seeing it from the bottom looking up.  The best item I saw there were two women on their bacloney having their breakfast under an awning.  That had all of us envious and Val told us that rents for those apartments are reasonable.

Ok, later I will conclude with us self guided tour.

 

Well, the visit day in Rome was overwhelming as we drove passed the Colosseum, in person, and there are few words to descripe the breath of this stadium!  Plus the ancient wall of Rome.  Seeing these monuments in person was , to me, like visiting the Lincoln Memorial as it took my breath after and brought tears to my eyes.

Drove by too quickly for photos will try again tomorrow.  Marco , our driver, was a whiz driver and did whizz on by but explained and pt out some historical sites , like the seven hills of Rome and he could name them also.

Went to eat at a torttoria right next door like a side walk cafe.  Had soup and caprese salad, vine for me, geletto for Bruce.  Sat there for awhile until I saw Bruce was falling asleep at the table, walked a bit and back to the room just as a thunder and lighting stop hit but not much rain as it lessens as it comes closer to the ground.

It has been in the 80s here for the passed week and today was humid.

Ok, 

Good night folks.

Bruce and Grace

Just arrived and we might be in trouble.

First, the plane ride was very long and very uneventful.  We watched movies , Bruce has not slept since we left Seattle yesterday morning.  I dozed a lot.

When we got off the plane, buggae was there and found the driver sent to pick us up,  The problem is we may have entered Italy illegally.  Marco the driver took our bags and I told him we had to go to customs and ,at first, he pretented not to understand but he did.  I asked him again as we were following him out the airport and I was ignored.  Long and short looks as if we entered illegally as we did not clear customs and our passports were not stamped.  When we arrived at the hotel I asked and the implication was shhhh, don't know, don't ask.

Do have an email into the travel agent to help!

Looks as we might have to repack and taxi back to the airport.

Room small, just Ok.

Had lunch/dinner at the cafe next door, good food.

Bruce is asleep now and I will join him for a nap.

No pictures as we spent the meal working with the cell phone company for charges these past two days.

Got skimmed , just a little , by a street peddler.  We were too tired too protest.that's it for now.

Tomorrow we will see if we can stay in Italy.  We hope it is easily resolved.

Ciao,

Until tomorrow.

Two very weary travelers.   Always follow your gut when situations arise like Marco

Just arrived and we might be in trouble.

First, the plane ride was very long and very uneventful.  We watched movies , Bruce has not slept since we left Seattle yesterday morning.  I dozed a lot.

When we got off the plane, buggae was there and found the driver sent to pick us up,  The problem is we may have entered Italy illegally.  Marco the driver took our bags and I told him we had to go to customs and ,at first, he pretented not to understand but he did.  I asked him again as we were following him out the airport and I was ignored.  Long and short looks as if we entered illegally as we did not clear customs and our passports were not stamped.  When we arrived at the hotel I asked and the implication was shhhh, don't know, don't ask.

Do have an email into the travel agent to help!

Looks as we might have to repack and taxi back to the airport.

Room small, just Ok.

Had lunch/dinner at the cafe next door, good food.

Bruce is asleep now and I will join him for a nap.

No pictures as we spent the meal working with the cell phone company for charges these past two days.

Got skimmed , just a little , by a street peddler.  We were too tired too protest.that's it for now.

Tomorrow we will see if we can stay in Italy.  We hope it is easily resolved.

Ciao,

Until tomorrow.

Two very weary travelers.   Always follow your gut when situations arise like Marco

Little bit of anxiety.

It is 11:00 a.m. and waiting to board the plane for the first leg of our trip from Seattle to Amerstdam.

Bruce has handled his anxiety fairly well about the trip.  Annie he is like you he hates to fly.  Maybe I will give him an extra pain pill and he will feel like he is floating among the stars.  But not too much as he does handle the luggage.

Yup I packed way too much, enough said.

For myself, I have dreamt about going to Europe since I was 16.  Now I am I am really in a state of excitement and shock.

Tomorrow is the day I will try to add photos to the blog.

Love to all.

Grace and Bruce , the aka Boo boo of the blog